Sidney Julian Tonner II, age 62, passed away on Oct. 14, 2014, at his home in Biloxi, Miss.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Riley Rankin of the Chinawoods Plantation in Poplarville, Miss.; his paternal grandparents of White Plains, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Julian Tonner, for whom he was named and with whom he enjoyed an especially close relationship; and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tonner of Diamondhead, Miss.

Sid grew up in Bogalusa and graduated from high school there before attending the University of Southern Mississippi and Appalachian State University, where he played varsity basketball. In his later years, he fondly recalled his varsity basketball preparation at Bogalusa High under his beloved coach, Buddy Ruddick.

Prior to moving home to Bogalusa he lived several years in Long Beach, Calif., working with the Salvation Army and making many friends in the community. In retirement in Bogalusa he joined First Presbyterian Church and assisted with Bible School. He was a deeply spiritual person and a committed Christian.

He spent many mornings with his buddies enjoying a round of golf and evenings playing poker with his pals. He was a loyal friend. His favorite pastime was socializing with friends and entertaining them with stories from personal sports archives brought alive by his “encyclopedic” knowledge of all sports and particularly basketball. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Survivors include his sisters Jane Wade of Gulfport, Miss., and Kathy (Victor) Roberts of Hattiesburg, Miss.; niece Scottie (Andy) Bradford and their children Alexander and Amelie of Metairie, La.; and niece Lauren (Brent) Cappaert and their son Graham of Vicksburg, Miss.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sidney Tonner Memorial Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 2019 22nd Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church in Bogalusa on Friday morning, Oct. 24, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 9 a.m. Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family. Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.